Comments Thread For: Andre Ward: I Got The Rust Off, I Can Be Even Better

[Barcham]

I think Andre Dirrell should be Wards next opponent. Dirrell got dropped twice in his loss to DeGale but the scores were still very close, Dirrell would provide a tough challenge to Ward.

Ward will never fight a Dirrell. No need to bother bringing up the Haymon factor.

[Mick Higgs]

Ward has a problem here. He's boing as a nuns gusset @ 168Lb & far to sceptical to go for Stevenson or Kovelov. So what's next? For my money it has to be a return with Froch @ Wembley!

[mannyman]

He should have started by fighting a decent opponent instead of a fat, out of shape empty can who never even bothered to try to get in shape and actually fight and was just there for the payday. There are guys walking around the streets of Oakland who could have walked in off the street and put up a better fight. Ward should have had this guy out of there in 2 or 3 rounds, not NINE! If I was Ward, I would seriously be thinking about retirement after that fight. He certainly will not be taking on a much better opponent in his next fight.

And reading his delusional fans crowing about this fantastic beat down and how he should be back up near the top of the P4P lists is just hilarious. I mean it's better than listening to a comedy show!

Idiot. He's been out for nearly two years.

Did it not occur to you that he WANTED rounds to shake the rust off?? How's getting Smith out inside 3 rounds gunna help??

Ward had 9 good rounds and got the stoppage. Its what he needed.

[NaijaD]

Ward will never fight a Dirrell. No need to bother bringing up the Haymon factor.

You're way out of line on Ward.... it would be more sensible to admit you don't like him. He had 19 months out and came back against an opponent that gave one of the SMW champions 2 tough fights. No one was saying Smith was a world beater but its no where near as bad as you say. Other current champions fight smith level opponents without the issue of a lay off.

[hhs661]

He's back... No issues with any promoter, he got the rust off, now it's time to take back his throne.


Line em up

[Public_Enemy]

He could have gotten better work in the gym with a sparring partner than he got in the ring last night against Smith. At least a sparring partner would be trying to fight back. And I'm really ****ing tired of the 'he's been out for 19 months' bullshit excuse. MANY other fighters in the past have been out for at least as long and did not need to fight someone on Smith's level upon their return. Some fighters, like Leonard and Floyd, were out for considerably longer periods and came back right into a title fight. And Ward has made a big point to say that he has kept himself in top shape by constantly working out in the gym and keeping his skills in top condition.

In today's boxing world, many fighters have breaks of a year or more between fights and do not come back against totally crap competition like Smith. Even the most rabid of Ward fans cannot deny that Smith did not give a crap about this fight and never intended to give his best. He came for a payday, not for a fight.

You say many fighters have done it but then only name two ATG fighters. It's actually not that common for fighters to sit out for nearly two years believe it or not. A comeback fight is definitely understandable. Sparring is important and I'm sure he's getting good sparring but it was important for him to get back in the ring for an official fight.

Remember Ward had a year off after Dawson for surgery too and is now coming off of 19 month layoff. It's not an excuse. It's reality and a comeback fight was warranted.

[SkillspayBills]

I can tell I am going to make bank after Ward beats up Kovalev. Can't wait.

[NaijaD]

You say many fighters have done it but then only name two ATG fighters. It's actually not that common for fighters to sit out for nearly two years believe it or not. A comeback fight is definitely understandable. Sparring is important and I'm sure he's getting good sparring but it was important for him to get back in the ring for an official fight.

Remember Ward had a year off after Dawson for surgery too and is now coming off of 19 month layoff. It's not an excuse. It's reality and a comeback fight was warranted.

He also didn't factor in the money Ray and Floyd were getting in those fights.... you think if Ward got offered 15 million to get in there with Kovalev he wouldn't jump at it? Lol

[786]

Better than a 9th round stoppage of THE Paul Smith?! I'll have to see it to believe it...

[Tobi.G]

Ward dont Need more tune ups!
Remember what Vitali did? Came back after a 3 year layoff and fought hard hitting Champion Samuel Peter and beat him easily!